Unlock disk nvme0n1p3_crypt

[Aravisian]

This thread is to assist @May70Bell in a rather serious and unusual issue:

@May70Bell

Need help with this. Can't work out what was posted Aug 2025. Do I really have to reinstall? Will lose all my data? Not computer geek.

Must have typed the wrong password too many times which I find odd. Upgrade was installed 2 days ago and I have forgotten to restart.

I can't log in.

@Aravisian

It sounds like you are referring to LUKS full disk encryption.
This is a very strong encryption. It would take a supercomputer ten thousand years to crack it, if it could at all.
If something goes wrong with the password... There is no recovery.

This is why I usually recommend using the standard security available instead of LUKS Full Disk Encryption.

The "Too many attempts/Wrong password" delay is 60 Seconds.

So it is not a long wait if the only issue was a password mistype.

If you are getting consistent Wrong Password in spite of being sure you typed it correctly, and Modifier Keys like CAPSLOCK are off, then you might test using a different keyboard in case a key is sticking or broken on your current one.

@May70Bell

My caps lock has a light that is on when it has been pressed. But on the log in page I can't see whether it is engaged or not. So, I am thinking it might not lock when on login page. How can I connect my other laptop to the Zorin one to try and use that keyboard, is that possible?

@Aravisian

Do you have access to a separate USB keyboard? A friend you could borrow one or an internet cafe...

I also recommend starting a thread on your issue where the entire community can offer suggestions rather than a limited private message with just the moderator team.

@May70Bell

I had the laptop switched off. When switched back on it comes up with 2 options. One is advanced Zorin and forgot what the other one was.
If not selected it goes to login page with that same message to unlock disk.

@Aravisian

If you select the Advanced Options for Zorin, first,
then in the next menu, arrow key down twice to reach Zorin on 6.17... and enter that to boot from - does it boot normally?

@May70Bell

I followed the instruction. Now it again says the unlock disk.

I also says that it cannot process volume group vgzorin.

Switched laptop off and now I can't switch it on.

@StarTreker

Ok, that's starting to sound like a hardware problem now. Something to try. Unplug power cable, remove battery, press power button to discharge caps. Wait 5 minutes, put battery back in, then plug the notebook back in. Now press your power button again, see if notebook powers on.

@Aravisian

This has escalated rather quickly.

It sounds, to me at least, like Disk Write Corruption. You may be entering the password correctly, but are being sent back to the login screen.
A message about failing to process the LVM volume group vgzorin suggests the system is getting past at least part of the boot process and is having trouble activating or finding the encrypted storage.

Do lights come on when you attempt to start the computer currently?

@May70Bell

Can't switch laptop back on. Followed Startreker instruction. However, I don't think the battery can be removed.

@May70Bell, please follow along this Community Support thread to further try resolving your issue.

[SignorCastello]

I am thinking, can you try to Type something in the System BIOS? Maybe in the password input text, maybe when validating MOK Keys, or in a Live USB of something, to check for the keyboard problem separately?
Or, if you have boot menu enabled, can you drop into GRUB shell? And try typing something from there, to see whether it's a problem of your keyboard, or of anything else?

[May70Bell]

Will have to get the laptop started first before I can do anything. How do I get into BIOS?

[swarfendor437]

It depends on the manufacturer. I will find the page in the unofficial manual that gives advice, but generally it is accessible by pressing F2, F10 or the Del(ete) key shortly after pressing the power on button.

I would say that there is an error in the comment about Dell machines and the F12 key, that is actually for changing what device to boot from, a one-time only option.

[May70Bell]

All sorted. Went to the shop where I bought the laptop and they were able to help me. Thank you everyone.